Nowadays, electronic car keys have become the norm, a massive shift from just a few decades ago when anyone with a little know-how could turn over the ignition on a car with some crossed wires and a screwdriver. These days, even with a precision cut key, most vehicles won’t start without the presence of the proper computer chip. Show As a matter of fact, some cars no longer require you to insert the key at all. An electronic fob’s mere presence is enough to use a push-button ignition on many current vehicle models. This is all great news for car owners, since it means your car, truck, or SUV is much more difficult to steal than in generations past. On the other hand, electronic keys introduce new components that can be expensive, even without paying a dealer to program them. If you can do the job yourself, you can save both time and money by not having to visit the dealership. It goes without saying that different manufacturers have different processes. In light of this, If our guide doesn’t work for you, we advise you to consult your manual or call your local dealership for more information on how to program a car key chip for your particular vehicle. This is a general guide on processes that should be effective on most American cars. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes, use proprietary technology that ensures that a dealership is the only entity that can create new keys, so keep this in mind when determining whether you can take on this task with your vehicle type. Programming a Second or Third KeyThe most straightforward key programming process is a situation where you are looking to program a second key. Since you already have a (master) key you can use, manufacturers assume you own the vehicle and make the process quick and easy. Note that some manufacturers require two keys to use this method, in which case it’s only useful for making a third key.
Programming a Single KeyA handful of manufacturers will allow you to program a single key, even if you don’t have a key that works. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to have the key cut to fit the ignition, which means you’ll need to provide proof of ownership to a locksmith. That said, the process is much simpler than programming a second or third key:
Programming a Push-Button StarterIn some cases, you can program a keyless ignition fob for cars with a push-button starter. This is by no means foolproof, but it’s worth trying before you pay a dealer to program it for you.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Battery!Many times, a non-functioning electronic fob doesn’t actually need to be replaced. Before you spend a small fortune on purchasing a new fob, it’s worth checking to see if an affordable battery replacement will solve your problem. To open the fob, you’ll need to look for a tiny “key” built into the unit’s seam. Once located, pull out the key, and use it to pry open the housing. Take your time and be careful to avoid causing any damage to the housing. Once accessed, Inside, you’ll see a circuit board. Remove this carefully, and you’ll find the battery attached to the bottom. Most key fobs use a small watch battery, which you can find at most pharmacies and home improvement stores. A majority of them only cost a couple of dollars, so it’s smart to try replacing your old battery with a fresh one before replacing the entire fob. SummaryProgramming a car key chip can be very easy, or it can become somewhat involved, depending on your vehicle. That being said, if you have a little time and determination, you can often program your own and save a bit of money on an already-pricey project. To save more money on your car, read more of our automotive guides! How much does it cost to reprogram my key?While it's hard to give a universal estimate, the general cost is between $50 and $250 for reprogramming. Here's a look at some factors that can determine price: Fob Type: Smart keys with a transponder (RFID), keyless ignition, or other extra features tend to be more expensive to reprogram.
Does AutoZone reprogram car keys?AutoZone provides a variety of key fobs that work for most vehicle makes, and they will help you match and program your fob to your car. Key fobs can range from $20 to $400 depending on the vehicle and the type of fob you buy.
Can you reprogram a car key?A handful of manufacturers will allow you to program a single key, even if you don't have a key that works. Keep in mind that you'll still need to have the key cut to fit the ignition, which means you'll need to provide proof of ownership to a locksmith.
How much does it cost to reprogram a car key fob?Just like a traditional key, your key fob is unique to your car. That means new key fobs will have to be programmed by a professional locksmith. The average price for programming a key fob is $50-$100, although some fobs are much more than that.
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